Osseointegration of polyethylene implants coated with titanium and biomimetically or electrochemically deposited hydroxyapatite in a rabbit model

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the osseointegration of a new coating directly deposited on PE at room temperature. Methods Thirty-six (36) male New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to receive one out of three types of implants: two tested implants, i.e. PE implant coated with TiPVD and biomimetic HA (biomimetic), PE implant coated with TiPVD and electrolytic HA (electrolytic), and positive control made of massive microrough titanium coated with plasma sprayed HA (TiHAPS). Osseointegration was evaluated by histomorphometry (bone tissue in contact [BIC]), mineralized bone area [MBA]) and mechanical testing (push-out test, interfacial shear strength [ISS]) at six and 12 weeks in the distal femurs. Results For BIC there were no differences between the groups at six (p=0.98) and 12 weeks (p=0.13). For MBA, no statistically significant difference was measured between groups at six (p=0.52) and 12 weeks (p=0.57). At six weeks, interfacial shear strength (ISS) was significantly higher (p=0.01) for TiHAPs implants compared to biomimetic and electrolytic implants. This difference was not significant at 12 weeks (p=0.92). Conclusion The osseointegration of biomimetic and electrolytic implants was equivalent to a positive control at 12 weeks.

Bioactivity and mechanical stability of Ti–6Al–4V implants superplastically embedded with hydroxyapatite in rats

“…The need for orthopaedic and dental implantations has increased significantly in recent years owing to osteoporosis, bone damage from car/sport accidents and cancer, together with the growing needs of dental/facial reconstruction [1]. Thus, artificial hard tissue replacement implants should integrate well into the musculoskeletal system without causing fibrosis of the connective tissue of the system [2]. For this reason, since the early 1960s concurrent studies have focused on the development of bioactive materials used bare (without a coating) or sometimes with a coating layer [3,4].…”